Are you interested in becoming a carer or befriender for our short break service for children with disabilities?
Many children and their families need help and support from people in their local communities.
How to access the service if you are a parent or carer of a child with disabilities
- becoming a short-break carer; or
- making friends with a child and helping them to do activities. This is befriending.
- make a big difference in a child’s life;
- be paid an allowance; (or expenses for befriending)
- be given full training and support.
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We recruit, train and support carers to work with children and their families. You could provide day care and overnight breaks for disabled children aged up to 18 years old.
We also recruit ‘befrienders’ to work with young people outside their home. You could make friends and help young people to do tasks and activities.
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- People from all ethnic groups
- Couples or single people
- Employed or unemployed people
- Disabled people
- People who are over 21 years old, there is no upper age limit. (We will consider people under 21 for befrienders)
- Lesbians and gay men
- People who have children
- People who don’t have children
You may have heard all sorts of rumours about people being told they can’t provide short breaks or befriend. Don’t let this put you off. Our first consideration is what you can offer a child or young person.
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When you apply, one of our social workers will assess you. This includes a Criminal Records Bureau check and a medical check. We will then train you over a period of time.
When we have completed your assessment and training, we will present our findings to a Panel. The Panel will then decide if you can be approved as a short break carer.
When you are approved, we will match a child to you for placement.
- When you contact us, we will talk to you.
- We will ask for a Criminal Records Bureau check and for references.
- We will give you training and support.
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Short break services for children with disabilities,
Children's Services Directorate,
(Old PCT Building),
Newcastle General Hospital,
Westgate Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE4 6BE
Phone: 0191 256 3510
Fax: 0191 256 3514
E-mail: shortbreak.services@newcastle.gov.uk
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You should talk to our children with disabilities team or alternatively
E-mail: shortbreak.services@newcastle.gov.uk
You could also contact the initial response service.
We also have a short stay residential centre for young people with disabilities.
<< Children with disabilities